The Best Editor-Tested Organic Sheets You Can Buy

Good bedding is meant to stay with you for years, which is why it’s important to consider any chemical treatment your sheets have undergone in the production process. Certified organic sheets are, without a doubt, the best option for the health of our skin and environment. But navigating the wide, somewhat convoluted world of organic textiles can make finding the right set daunting. We’ve done the research for you, found out what matters when it comes to organic bedding, and tested a wide range of brands and sheets. Here are our picks of the best of the best. Looking for a more comprehensive guide to buying sheets? Check out ours here.

In the western world, we hear “organic” and are somewhat conditioned to feel better about a purchase, even if we’re not entirely sure what the term means in relation to what we’re buying. Not all bedding with “organic” in the name is the best option or even completely trustworthy. There are a few things to consider when you’re shopping for organic sheets, from what they’re worth to why and how their value is certified.

The higher the thread count, the softer the sheets. However, sheets with a thread count above 430, according to the pros, may require more of your attention. In fact, Brooklinen co-founder Vicki Fulop says “a multi-ply construction is often used to strengthen lower-grade cotton; a super high thread count can actually indicate the presence of a lower-quality sheet.” But this doesn’t actually complicate things as much as it may seem. Thread count is still an important factor; just keep in mind that “as the thread count rises, the fabric becomes softer, denser and warmer,” says Fulop. “So that you know you’re getting an accurate and not misrepresented thread count, you want to be in the 200-500 range. In the lower range you’ll have a crisper, cooler sheet and on the higher end you’ll have a smoother and warmer sheet.” Hot sleepers may actually prefer a percale or sateen sheet with a count closer to 200, while hot sleepers could enjoy the density of a 500 thread count set.

Even though the production of organic textiles, as opposed to non-organic textiles, involves fewer (if any) chemical treatments, they are usually still more expensive than the alternative. This is because the quality of the raw material itself — cotton, for example — has to be quite high to surpass the need for chemical softeners or other processing and finishing treatments. For the same reason, the material then has to be artfully woven into fabric and naturally dyed in order to yield a desirable look and feel without chemical aids. In short, quality organic sheets cost a pretty penny but are more than worth it when you consider the benefits and amount of use you’ll get out of them.

Dermal exposure to the chemicals that so much non-organic bedding is treated with — flame retardants, quinoline, bisphenols, benzothiazoles, phthalates, formaldehyde, metal nanoparticles, and other scary stuff we can barely pronounce — takes a toll on our largest organ over time. But it can also have an immediate effect on our skin, causing rashes and other allergic reactions after just a night’s sleep. And, no, washing your sheets when you first unbox them won’t get rid of all those chemicals, and maybe not any, depending on the production process. Now that you’re as scared straight as we are, think about a world where your bedding is guaranteed to not cause a chemically induced rash or emit so many harmful chemicals into the environment — globally or at home. Organic sheets, depending on their certifications, are non-toxic and safe.

There are a number material and textile certifications to consider when shopping for organic bedding.

We tested a range of organic sheets, from cotton to linen and hemp, judging them on the following criteria. Though not one of our most important criterium, we also considered the aesthetics of the sheets.

Our best overall pick when it comes to organic sheets are not only OEKO-TEX 100, GOTS, and Fair Trade certified but also hit the sweet spot between slick sateen, textured linen, and weighty hemp. Boll & Branch, an editor-favorite bedding brand, impressed us with its organic cotton percale Signature Hemmed Sheet Set. Tester and AT contributor Stella says, “I am not a lover of uber-soft sheets — I don’t like something scratchy, of course — but I’ve never been into sateen or even a really soft percale. I LOVE these sheets. They are crisp with a light texture and are perfect for me.” Stella tends to sleep a bit cold, but also lives in southern California, and these sheets served her well. “They have a bit of weight without feeling claustrophobic, and I feel they are less wrinkled than other percale sheets I have tried. These sheets are for the person who wants that hotel sheet feel — a set that stays clean feeling and crisp” wash after wash, year after year. The sheets, a perennial best-seller for Boll & Branch, are available in a wide range of colors and sizes, easy to clean, and dress a bed beautifully.

Who It’s Best For: Those who don’t want sheets that are either cooling or warming; those who want something that will soften with each wash and last a long time.

Good to Know: Boll & Branch offers free shipping and returns, but you can also try these sheets risk-free for 30 nights.

*Honorable mention: West Elm’s 400-Thread Count Organic Percale Sheets have apparent high quality “right out of the package,” says AT commerce executive director Mark. “They are lightweight, yet…substantial and the pleated edge makes them feel so fancy.” Mark is “a huge fan of these sheets” and, since he doesn’t wake up either freezing or sweating, he “highly recommends,” no matter what kind of sleeper you are.

While they’re not cheap, the Organic Sateen Sheets from Under the Canopy achieve one of the lower price points among our best picks without sacrificing quality. AT contributor Ivy, a tester of countless sheet sets, found these to be the “softest set of sheets I’ve ever tried (I’m talking butter-soft), and even my husband agrees. He’s used to me testing new bedding products all the time and makes comments here and there, but in this particular instance, I believe his exact words were, ‘WHERE did these sheets come from? They seriously gave me an amazing night’s sleep.’” The thing that really gives these sheets such value and makes them a rather uncommon find, though, is the fact that they’re sateen and organic. None of those chemical treatments often used to give sateen bedding that slick, ultra-soft feel were involved in the making of these Under the Canopy sheets, and Ivy calls it “a huge plus.” This also means they won’t lose their sateen sheen over time, which is even better news, considering Ivy calls them perfect “for year-round use.” Under the Canopy has sales often, so it’s likely you won’t spend the full amount on your own set, but Ivy does mention that these sheets are “well worth the $98 investment, anytime.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who love to shop sales; those who want the best sheets at the lowest price; those who want something on the cooler side.

Good to Know: Opting for a Twin size? It comes with a single pillowcase.

Weighty but breathable, the Organic Linen Sheets from Avocado are a standout option among other linen bedding. If you’re not a fan of the linen sheets you’ve tried so far, are a bit skeptical of linen’s softness or comfort as bedding, or think you prefer simple, soft cotton sheets, we urge you to give these a try. While, yes, they do achieve the price point expected of our best luxury pick, they also undeniably achieve everything a dream sheet set should be, from the certifications to the quality, feel, overnight performance, and durability over time. Though many linen sheet sets are pre-washed for immediate comfort, the Avocado Organic Linen Sheets achieve an out-of-the-box softness — without any chemical treatment, of course — that’s unsurpassed so far in our testing. The wide weave, typical of linen, gives them ventilation while the thread’s heft allows the sheets to drape over and hug you. Warm and cold sleepers can unite comfortably thanks to these impressive Avocado luxury linens.

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a sheet set to stand the test of time; those who love textured, slightly weighty, or linen sheets.

Good to Know: While we think these linen sheets are a standout, Avocado has a range of other luxury sheet sets to shop as well. You also get a 100-night sleep trial to make sure they’re the right investment for you.

Outside of sheets with more ventilated, open weaves like linen, organic ones don’t usually have the same cooling factors as those treated with chemicals that laminate materials or otherwise smooth and add shine. Commerce SEO editor Sarah notes, “In the past, I haven’t had the best luck with organic sheets, so I’d be lying if I said I didn’t go into this testing hesitant.” She’s not alone there, which is what made creating this list both a passion project and a challenge. “However,” she continues, “these sheets were an ABSOLUTE dream. Soft to the touch and able to keep me cool all night long (a feat, if I do say so myself), I felt luxurious (like Rihanna luxurious) with these sheets on. The slip, the comfort — if you’re looking to spoil yourself, do it with these sheets.” A rave review from an editor who is usually not impressed by organic sheets (including some from the same brand)! The Organic Relaxed Sateen Sheets from Coyuchi keep you cool, your bedroom looking great, and you feeling good about your purchase.

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who like soft, slick cotton sheets, those who prefer a sheet with sheen.

Good to Know: Coyuchi uses a USDA-certified, biobased softener, miDori bioSoft, to finish these sheets and other textiles for added comfort and dryness.

If you’re shopping for winter bedding, sleep cold year-round, or enjoy sheets with a touch of texture and fluffiness, these Garnet Hill Organic Flannel Sheets are for you. Untreated flannel, especially organic, that’s still soft and will last through washes rather than felt up is tough to find, but these achieve everything a flannel lover could want while also being sustainable and GOTS certified. Fluffy and brushed, they come in an exciting range of sumptuous colors, from a poppy red to a lush laurel green. We love these for warmth, softness, and staying cozy all year-round, but especially for their skin- and environment-friendly production. They’re the definition of a “feel good” product.

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep cold; those who live in cooler climates; those who like softness and plush texture.

Good to Know: You can add a monogram to these Garnet Hill sheets, making them perfect for personalizing, passing down, or gifting.

Saatva impresses again with its Organic Percale Sheet Set, our best classic percale set option in the organic textile world. In alignment with Saatva’s renowned standards of quality and construction, these sheets feel like the epitome of luxury. Their cost goes to contributing to the economic health of the farmers whose cotton yields such a gorgeous textile, so there’s even more to feel good about beyond the softness and comfort they provide. Ideal for co-sleepers, these percale sheets are soft and pre-washed for a cozy, lived-in effect while also being cool to the touch and a great option for those who sleep hot. Unlike a sateen, however, these percale sheets have a matte finish that allows the cotton they’re made from to do the shining.

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep with someone else; those who enjoy smooth, cool-to-the-touch, classic cotton sheets.

Good to Know: Saatva offers 45 days of free returns on this set as well as free shipping.

Expertly woven in Italy from Belgian flax yarns, these sheets are constructed in New York with the attention to detail only had by seasoned craftspeople with a single focus. Linoto’s substantial Organic Linen Sheets are the ones you’ll have for a lifetime and be able to pass on to generations to follow, allowing them to get softer and better as they wash and age and serve as an heirloom. The linen is dew-retted, which means that it’s softened naturally with rainwater and morning dew rather than harsh chemicals and wasteful quantities of water. Pretty freaking magical. While they’re pre-washed, they arrive in sturdy condition and await the years of wear and washing ahead of them, so we recommend another wash before using them for the first time. Linoto is highly customizable, from sizes like split King and European Queen to fitted sheet depth and pillowcase style, so you can get the exact right set for a lifetime of use.

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who enjoy linen; those who want sheets that will last decades and get better with time.

Good to Know: Linoto sheets ship free in the USA and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee (that you won’t need to use, but still).

Another ultra-high-quality option for lovers of classic cotton sheets, these seperates from Tekla make it possible to customize your perfect bedding color scheme, complete with vibrant brights and crisp, fresh whites. Lightweight, thin, yet sumptuous, Tekla percale sheets are seriously soft, all thanks to the quality of the cotton itself rather than any chemical treatments. The 600 thread count of superior percale cotton is what helps set this brand’s sheets apart from competitors. Ideal if you prefer sleeping without a top or flat sheet, these sheets are sold separately. Grab yourself a fitted sheet, some shams, and the Tekla duvet cover for a complete bedding set that does good things for your bedroom decor, the environment, our communities, and us.

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who prefer cotton sheets; those who love bright or unique colors; those who prefer sleeping without a flat sheet.

The best option for anyone who loves weighty, breathable, natural material bedding, these Jungmaven Hemp Sheets are the softest and thicket option we’ve tried among hemp and linen sheets alike. Personally, these are the best sheets I’ve ever felt, slept on, looked at, and showed off so far in my career. From small LA-based brand Jungmaven, a source for all things organic hemp textile, these sheets arrive feeling like the most luxe, natural material out there, but then get velvety soft after just a single wash. And, somehow, they continue to soften with every wash thereafter. I actually get excited for laundry day and quite literally will wash, dry, and (especially) fold these sheets for personal enjoyment. Jungmaven’s mission of loving and caring for the planet without sacrificing style, function, or beauty in their products is immediately apparent when you snuggle into these sheets and only part of what makes such a small brand worth shopping, supporting, and pushing forward toward new possibilities and offerings.

Who It’s Best For: Those who love linen; those who want to try (or are fans of) hemp bedding; those who prefer sustainable options; those who love soft, weighty bedding.

Good to Know: Save 10 percent when you purchase a top and a bottom sheet together.

*Honorable Mention:American Blossom Linens Organic Cotton Sheet Set is our close runner up as a small business with American-made bedding. This set is weighty, thick, and textured as far as cotton sheets go but still highly breathable, making them ideal for couples.